If you have a Netflix account, you have probably seen the gradual decrease in the number of Christian movies available on the platform. At first, you must have thought that Netflix is no longer showing new Christian movies.
But soon you realized that some good old Christian movies are no longer there. This might have struck a question in your mind: “Why is Netflix removing Christian movies?”
Even though Netflix has not given any official statement justifying the reason behind their decision to remove Christian movies, as viewers, you can understand that the main reason is to keep the library filled with dynamic content.
As a streaming platform, Netflix has always aimed to provide its viewers with relatable and trending content. It curates the popular movies and shows for you to view on the weekends.
However, with changing times, the popularity of Christian movies is also decreasing. This makes streaming platforms like Netflix take measures to provide only relatable and popular content to their viewers.
But, is Netflix really removing the Christian movies? Well, keep reading to know the truth behind Netflix’s decision to remove them.
What Are Christian Movies?
Christian movies are not part of a specific and special genre. Movies that have Christian faith as their backdrop, are family-friendly, advocate the Bible’s teachings through dialogues, and show faith in God are often categorized as Christian movies.
These movies tend to have titles with reference to certain Biblical phrases and historical characters. And, viewers resonate with the underlying faith of these movies.
With the evolving landscape of Hollywood media production, most movies have sexual innuendos, sarcastic and offensive jokes, and less religious faith.
This has made a section of the society crave for something that advocates the teachings of the Bible and reinforces Christian faith.
Many directors and filmmakers take up this challenge and produce movies that resonate with the audience. And that’s how Christian movies became a type of movie that aims to restore faith in Christianity.
Why Is Netflix Removing Christian Movies?
Even though it is just a rumor, many viewers are concerned about the sudden removal of Christian movies from the Netflix platform. However, there are a few reasons why Netflix might consider removing some of the Christian movies from its library.
1. Rotate Movies For A Dynamic Library
As you already know, Netflix aims to provide you with a dynamic collection of movies. In order to ensure that you get new and trending movies, Netflix regularly updates its library. It removes non-trending and outdated movies and clears space for new content.
Similarly, Netflix has identified that its majority of its viewers are no longer able to connect to Christian movies. Because of this, the movies are losing their popularity. So, Netflix is removing the outdated Christian movies from its library.
2. Maximize Subscriptions
Like any other media corporation, Netflix also works to maximize its profits by increasing its number of subscribers. And, to ensure that new viewers are subscribing to its plans, it needs to appeal to their interests with its media content.
Additionally, Netflix wants to retain its old subscribers. So, it curates popular and new releases to keep them entertained with exciting movies and TV shows. And, removes movies that no longer appeal to the majority of the current audience.
3. Poor Performance Of Christian Movies
In the modern era, people are preferring thrillers and sci-fi movies over Christian movies. Generally, Christian movies are losing their popularity and becoming poor-performing movies on streaming platforms.
Even though the plot and concepts of some Christian movies are really enticing, the majority of the audience is switching to other genres. And, to cater to the audience’s preferences, Netflix is removing poor-performing Christian movies and replacing them with new hit releases.
4. Licensing Issues
Netflix is just a streaming platform. So, it needs a proper license to let its audience stream certain copyrighted movies and shows. As for Christian movies, there are many classic and old movies that were previously available on Netflix.
However, Netflix has recently removed these movies because of the expiration of their license and their low popularity. Since its viewers are no longer watching Christian movies, instead of renewing the license, Netflix is removing the content from its library.
5. Shift To Netflix Original Production
With the changing times, Netflix is bringing in its own in-house original media productions for the viewers. With this shift in the media content, Netflix needs more space in its library to accommodate its original content.
Given that Christian movies are already losing popularity, Netflix is removing the content and introducing more original content. Also, it is trying to engage the audience with its in-house production more than the outdated movies.
6. Removing Outdated Movies
As one of the top movie streaming platforms, Netflix always aims to give its audience a vivid and high-quality movie viewing experience. So, it is important for the platform to update its movies and TV shows regularly with new and exciting content.
Additionally, outdated and less popular content needs to be removed to make space in the library. Christian movies have become quite outdated and unpopular on Netflix. So, it is removing these outdated movies to keep the library fresh and vivid with trending content.
10 Best Christian Movies On Netflix To Watch Before They Are Gone
If you are someone from the minority viewers’ list of Netflix who loves to watch Christian movies, we have curated a list for you.
Here are some of the best Christian movies that you can still watch on Netflix.
1. Come Sunday – 2018
- Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes.
- Genres: Drama/ Biography.
The film is a biopic on the life of Carlton Pearson. Through his life experiences as a preacher, the movie explores the depths of faith, doubt, and issues with unconventional beliefs in the Christian community.
2. The Two Popes – 2019
- Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes.
- Genres: Drama/ Biography.
In the film, the intricate relationship between the present Pope Benedict XVI and the future pope, Cardinal Bergoglio, is displayed. Additionally, they are seen to have complex discussions about the future of Catholicism and the Churches with the change in faith.
3. Good Sam – 2019
- Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Genres: Drama.
As a Christian movie, it advocates the teachings from the Bible about good deeds and kindness. Moreover, the film revolves around an exciting plot about a stranger who keeps money on the doorstep of the news reporter.
4. The Young Messiah – 2016
- Runtime: 1 hour 51 minutes.
- Genres: Drama.
One of the greatest Christian movies of all time, the film depicts the childhood life of Jesus Christ. And, the movie is based on the work of Anne Rice, and it shows how He comes to learn about divinity in His life and His life purpose.
5. A Week Away – 2021
- Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes.
- Genres: Musical/ Family.
The film shows the life-changing episode in a teenager’s life after visiting the Christian summer camp. Additionally, various Biblical references and songs are used in this musical to reinforce the religious faith of Christianity.
6. Father Stu – 2022
- Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes.
- Genres: Drama/ Melodrama.
It is a beautiful biographical drama based on the life story of Stuart Long, who started his life journey as a boxer and converted into a Catholic priest. Moreover, the film caters to the religious faith and belief of Christianity with the presentation of the character.
7. Man Of God – 2022
- Runtime: 1 hour 51 minutes.
- Genres: Drama/ History.
Set across a Nigerian background, the film explores the idea of religious faith, rebellion, and betrayal with a pastor’s journey. Moreover, through the course of the movie, Samuel Obalou is seen struggling with his traditional religious beliefs amidst modernity.
8. 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story – 2021
- Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes.
- Genres: Feature-length documentary.
As a documentary, the film revolves around the life-changing spinal cord surgery of Chris Norton. It shows how he was paralyzed after the surgery, but with faith in God and His benevolence, he recovered. Also, through his character, the film displays the power of hope and perseverance.
9. Forgiven – 2016
- Runtime: 1 hour 19 minutes.
- Genres: Thriller/ Drama.
As a Christian movie, the film delves deep into the concept of forgiveness and virtue. In the movie, a man is seen spiritually and emotionally struggling after committing a sinful act and finally healing with faith and hope. Moreover, this typically explores the Christian themes of guilt, grace, and forgiveness.
10. The Hill – 2023
- Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes.
- Genres: Sports/ Drama.
Based on the true-life story of Rickey Hill, the film explores the themes of resilience, perseverance, faith, and hope. With the display of a sportsman’s challenging journey in overcoming odds and becoming a baseball player, the film reiterates Christian beliefs.
Netflix’s Attempt At Library Upgradation
Netflix is constantly trying to keep its library filled with dynamic content that is relatable and popular for its viewers. And, in order to do so, it needs to clear out outdated content or less popular shows and movies from its collection.
Even though Christian movies have a small fan base, their reduced popularity in the modern era of exciting movies and TV shows is causing streaming platforms like Netflix to remove the content. In a way, Netflix is replacing the Christian movies with new and exciting releases to grow its subscription base.
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